Advice, budget and procedures for your
exchange semester in Mexico

Home " Studying in Mexico " Tips, budget and procedures for your exchange semester in Mexico

Introduction

You're getting ready to your university exchange in Mexico?

What a great choice you've made! It's the start of an incredible adventure! However, good preparation is essential before you take off. Don't worry, we're here to equip you with all the information you need. Get ready to take notes for a carefree departure.

Here are some tips to help you get through your semester in Mexico, right up to boarding and beyond.

Prepare your semester in Mexico

Administrative procedures: Simplifying your arrival in Mexico

-> For stays of less than 180 days, good news if you're from a visa-exempt country (France, Spain, Italy, and many more)! Consult the official list on the Mexican consulate website to check whether your country is listed. However, even without a visa, you'll need to bring certain essential documents with you:

  • Valid passport in good condition.
  • Attestation from your Mexican academic institution confirming your enrolment for a period of less than 180 days.
  • Round-trip air tickets.
  • The Multiple Migration Form (FMM), supplied by the airline, to be presented on your final departure from Mexico.

-> If your stay exceeds 180 daysFor example, if you are accepted for two consecutive periods of study, you must obtain a temporary resident visa before your departure. When you arrive, you'll also need to apply for a student temporary resident card. Here are the documents required for this visa:

  • Visa application form with a recent passport-size photo, white background and front view.
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after application.
  • Photocopy of your passport page with your photo and details.
  • Proof of financial situation.
  • Certificate from your academic institution in Mexico, as well as a certificate from your home university.
  • Additional documents may be required. Check details on the Mexican government website.
Semester in Mexico

Insurance: Security and peace of mind while studying in Mexico

Although not mandatory, We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance for your stay in Mexico. This type of contract offers you valuable protection in the event of unforeseen events such as trip cancellation, accidents, health problems or even legal problems. 📄

☝️ It's important to remember that, unlike in France, where healthcare costs can be covered almost in full by Social Security and mutuelles, the situation is very different abroad. Medical costs can be very highWithout adequate insurance, the financial consequences can be significant. 💸

💟 We recommend considering specialist insurers such as April InternationalThese are well known for their special offers for international students. However, it is important to check whether your university in Mexico offers insurance. Sometimes, the university requires students to take out their own health insurance on site, which can lead to additional costs even if you have already taken out private insurance before you leave. This is what happened to Axel during his studies in Puebla, where despite his prior private coverage, he had to pay for the Monterrey TEC's insurance. 🏫

Before you leave, be sure to talk to your university's administration to find out exactly what the insurance requirements are, and to avoid costly duplication. Such a dialogue will not only enable you to understand the options available but also to opt for the most comprehensive and cost-effective coverage. 💬

Mexico Insurance

Monthly Budget to Study and Live in Mexico

Plan an adequate budget for Mexico is essential for your academic exchange. Here's an overview of the costs involved in living comfortably as a student:

  • 🏠 Housing in Mexico:
  • Around 300€ for a shared apartment with swimming pool in Puebla or Guadalajara.
  • 500 for a studio in the center of these cities, compared with 600-700€ for cities like Mexico City or Monterrey.
  • 800 will enable you to rent a shared room in a residence equipped with a gym, swimming pool and padel court, or a studio in the most sought-after towns and districts.
  • 🍽 Food and daily expenses:
    • Average cost of a restaurant meal: €10-12.
    • Street food or budget meals: around €5.
    • Weekly grocery budget: €10 to €20, depending on eating habits.

  • ✈️ Transportation:
    • Domestic flights: Around €100 for round trips to popular destinations.
    • Bus: €20 to €30 for comfortable intercity journeys.
    • Colectivos (public transport): approx. €2 (MXN 50) per journey.

  • 🏖 Leisure and travel:
    • Weekends and outings: Allocate around €500 per month to take full advantage of local attractions and activities.

Estimated total monthly cost 💵 :

  • For a comfortable lifestyle as a student in major cities like Mexico City or Monterrey: Approx. €1,500.
  • In less expensive cities such as Puebla or Guadalajara, a budget of around €1,000 per month may suffice, provided you are careful with expenses.

Budget for a one-week vacation in Mexico per person 🍹 :

  • Restaurants and outings: €200
  • Accommodation: €150
  • Tours and activities: €150
  • Local transport: €50
  • Total for the week: 550€.

These estimates will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of expenses and help you plan accordingly to get the most out of your study stay in Mexico. 🇲🇽🎓

Learn Spanish to prepare for your semester in Mexico

🇪🇸 Importance of Spanish :

  • Know the bases of Spanish will not only help you communicate more easily on a daily basis, and travel more easily, but it will also help you integrate into the local culture, for a more enriching and friendly experience.

📲 Resources for learning Spanish :

  • Mobile applications: Use apps like Duolingo, Babbel or Memrise to learn Spanish at your own pace. These apps offer interactive lessons covering grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
  • On-campus coursesSpanish courses: Check with your university in Mexico to see if they offer Spanish courses for international students. It's a great way to practice the language regularly and meet other students.

Practical information about everyday life in Mexico

📱 Mobile telephony:

  • Get a local number Buy a SIM card from a local provider like Telcel or Movistar as soon as you arrive. SIM cards are available from phone stores or supermarkets such as Oxxo.
  • Recommended package Telcel's "Paquete Amigo sin limite 200" is perfect for you. For around 12 euros a month, this package entitles you to 3 gigs of data, with unlimited calls + social networks: Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat, and Messenger.
  • Charging points You can top up your SIM card easily in the many Oxxo stores all over the country.

ℹ️ Cultural Tips and Local Etiquette :

  • 🤝 GreetingsA handshake, a hug or a peck on the cheek. A handshake, a hug or a peck on the cheek (just one, though - you'll quickly get the hang of it) are common, depending on the degree of familiarity.
  • 🏡 Invitations to eatAccepting an invitation to eat is a sign of respect and friendship. Don't forget to compliment the cook and thank the host. A small gift, such as flowers or a bottle of wine, is much appreciated.
  • 🗣 Respect for seniorsIt's essential to show respect to the elderly. Use formal titles like "Señor" or "Señora" and the famous "Usted".
Viva México

🛡️ Safety:

It's important to know that there's a huge contrast between the image conveyed by the media and the reality of life in Mexico. On a day-to-day basis, in the neighborhoods where expatriates and students live, which are very safe, no problems are encountered.

Mexico is a safe country, as long as you're careful about where you go and simply follow the basic rules of caution, as you would anywhere else:

  • Areas to avoid: Find out about less safe areas and neighborhoods and avoid them, especially after sunset. Check on diplomatie.gouv.
  • Keep your valuables safeUse a fanny pack or inner pocket for your passport and money.
  • Emergency numbersSave local emergency numbers in your phone. The general emergency number in Mexico is 911.
  • Caution on public transportBe vigilant on public transport and avoid showing signs of affluence.

🏥 Student health insurance Mexico

  • Student insurance : Before you leave, remember to take out a insurance for international students in Mexico because healthcare costs can soar!
  • Recommended vaccinationsConsult your doctor about any vaccinations you may need well in advance of your departure. Common vaccines include those against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and yellow fever. But none are compulsory.
  • Drinking waterTap water is generally not safe to drink. Prefer bottled or purified water to avoid illness and indigestion.
  • First aid kitTake along a first-aid kit including disinfectants, bandages and basic medication for diarrhea and fever.

🥑 Where to shop in Mexico?

  • Large hypermarkets Walmart, Soriana and Chedraui are giants where everything from prepared meals to fresh produce is available. For even more convenience, use apps like Uber Eats or Rappi to get delivery straight to your door.
  • 24-hour grocery stores OXXO, 7 Eleven and others are ubiquitous and offer a quick solution for last-minute shopping, although they're not the healthiest places.
  • Local markets Immerse yourself in the local bustle and find fresh produce at unbeatable prices.
  • Street food : Street taco stands are an economical and tasty option for eating on the go without having to cook.
Oxxo

💵 Tips and payments

  • Tips Leaving a 10-15% tip in restaurants and cafés is common and much appreciated as a way of supporting employees.
  • Supermarket help : It's customary to tip the people who help you pack your groceries, often pensioners.
  • Card payments In the big cities, there's no need to worry about using your bank card, with international banks easily accessible. For small expenses, especially on the street, keep some cash on you.

📱 Useful apps during your exchange

  • Transport Uber, Didi and Indrive are essential for getting around easily.
  • Communication The Telcel app for managing your mobile subscription.
  • Delivery Rappi and Uber Eats for meals delivered to your door.
  • Budget A currency converter to manage your peso budget.
  • Urban bike Eco Bici is perfect for exploring big cities on two wheels.

Shall we pack for Mexico together?

So, what to pack in your suitcase for your exchange to Mexico? If you're scratching your head wondering what to pack for this great adventure, take a deep breath, we're here to help you organize everything without forgetting a thing!

  • 🔌 American-style plugs Super important! Before you take off, get yourself some American adapters and why not a power strip to plug in all your gadgets without a hitch.
  • 🧥 Sweaters You're not going to Norway, but depending on your destination in Mexico, one or two sweaters may come in handy. In Puebla and Monterrey, evenings can be chilly, while in Guadalajara, a single sweater will suffice - it's almost always summer there!
  • 👕 T-shirts and shorts galore : You'll probably be living in skimpy clothes most of the time, so don't hesitate to pack plenty to keep you comfortable under the Mexican sun.
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Sportswear Get ready for university sports and jogging to get rid of the tacos!
  • 👖 Trousers Take 2 or 3 pairs of pants with you for evening outings or more formal presentations.
  • ⌚ Watch and jewelry A word of advice: avoid taking your most expensive valuables with you. Opt for simple pieces to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
  • 🎒 Travel compression bags They're great for organizing your suitcase and making sure everything fits in without a hitch.
  • 🎒 A backpack for getaways Indispensable for short trips of 2 or 3 days. You'll love its practicality!
  • 👝 Banana or secret pouch Perfect for keeping your papers and money safe under your T-shirt.
  • 🦟 Mosquito repellent spray : In tropical areas, these little beasts can be a real nuisance. Better safe than sorry!
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses and swimwear : Indispensable for enjoying the beach and the pool, but we bet you've already thought of that!
  • 💊 Belly medicine The shock of Mexican spices can be rough at first. A small stockpile of digestive medicine could save the day.

With this list, you'll be well equipped and ready for your Mexican adventure. Enjoy your trip and make the most of this unique experience! 🌮🌞

Mexico suitcase

Conclusion: Ready for a crazy Semester in Mexico!

Now you have a clear vision of everything you need to prepare for your exchange semester in Mexico. Let's summarize the key points so that you can take off with peace of mind, ready to enjoy your adventure to the full:

  • 📑 Administrative procedures : Everything is simplified to make your arrival in Mexico as smooth as possible. Don't forget your essential documents and the FMM for short stays.
  • 🛡️ Insurance: For peace of mind, don't forget to take out insurance to cover the unexpected. This will protect you from the often costly surprises abroad.
  • 💰 Monthly budget : We've broken down the costs to give you a clear idea of what to expect. Whether you live in Mexico City or Puebla, preparing your budget will enable you to live comfortably.
  • 📱 Daily life : From cell phone tips to local customs, safety and health. Everything is covered to help you integrate seamlessly into Mexican life.
  • 🛍️ Shopping and food : From hypermarkets to 24-hour grocery stores, not forgetting local markets and street food, you'll know where and how to enjoy Mexican delights.

Every aspect of your preparation is crucial to ensuring that your experience is as enriching and enjoyable as possible. Remember, every moment spent preparing today brings you closer to an unforgettable semester in Mexico!

So continue your preparations, pack your bags and get ready for a semester that promises to be unforgettable. With all the advice and information in your pocket, you're more than ready to explore the cultural, academic and social richness of Mexico. ¡Nos vemos en México! 🌮🌞

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